7 Best Master’s in Public Health Programs in Norway
A Master’s in Public Health is a popular choice amongst healthcare administrators, epidemiologists, and nurses alike. After all, public health is a constantly evolving field. Trends periodically changes according to the needs of the general population. This makes public health a good educational endeavor, as it can help provide wide-scale, long-term solutions to the masses.
If you are thinking of pursuing this program, then you should consider taking your studies to Norway – the home of some of the world’s best public health schools.
How to Study MPH in Norway
You first need to meet the requirements. Norwegian universities require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) in health, social, or natural sciences or equivalent. At the University of Agder, undergraduate degrees in nursing, sports science, nutrition, physical or occupational therapy will also be considered.
Good grades (minimum C, B for some universities) and language proficiency tests are required as well since most master’s programs are highly selective.
This whole process can be quite challenging so we’ve prepared a guide on How to Study in Norway for International Students. If you are unsure about this process, read the guide!
Cost of Studying Master’s in Public Health in Norway
Some universities offering a Master’s in Public Health are free of charge. At some universities, however, you may need to spend $7,892 to $21,422 (EUR 7,000 to 9,000) a year.
While some degrees are free of charge, it counteracts the high cost of living in Norway. A master’s student may need to shell out $1,252 (NOK 12,122) a month for rent, food, transport, and whatnot.
In What Languages Do You Study MPH in Norway?
You have two language options when taking a Master’s in Public Health in Norway. One is Norwegian, as is the case at the University of Agder. Although most classes are taught in the local language, some are instructed in English.
You can also opt for an English-only program, which is offered at the University of Bergen. Its 2-year Master’s in Global (Public) Health degree attracts many foreign enrollees as the courses are primarily taught in English.
Top Universities in Norway with a Master’s in Public Health Program
1. University of Agder
Agder’s MPH program focuses on the public population’s health – and the factors that affect them. At the end of the 2-year course, its students are expected to promote the people’s health and well-being, as well as prevent disease, injuries, and other related problems.
Students get to engage in two public health categories. One is structural public health, which deals with measures and regulations that could help improve the population’s well-being. The other deals with the challenges of public health, and how they could affect nutrition, mental health, and physical activity.
The first semester deals with scientific theories and methodologies, while the second semester focuses on research methods, designs, and analyses. The third and fourth semesters are solely dedicated to the writing of a Master’s thesis.
Agder’s MPH program also serves as a gateway to a doctorate.
2. The Arctic University of Norway
Next on our list of Norwegian universities with Master’s in Public Health is the Arctic University of Norway. At this university, MPH students get to examine the health of the population as a whole. The program focuses on the major causes of diseases and disorders, as well as the best interventions that can be put forth to help enhance public health.
As with most schools, admission is competitive in the Arctic University of Norway, as it only accepts 30 students a year.
The 2-year program features 6 mandatory courses, which should be taken during the first year of study. These include biostatistics, epidemiology, and the foundations of public health.
During the third term, students can take 3 elective subjects – or embark on an exchange program abroad. The last term is made for the sole purpose of thesis writing, which covers 30 ECTS credits.
3. Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
NMBU’s MPH program is all about learning how the world facilitates (and maintains) good health amongst the general population. With lecturers who are experts in the field of public health, students get the opportunity to specialize in occupational science, planning, activity science, or environmental health protection.
At this university in Norway with MPH program, the 2-year master’s degree requires students to undergo 4 compulsory courses. These are delivered through conventional lectures, although study visits, fieldwork, and online work are done as well.
Students are also encouraged to take subjects in related areas, including health promotion, environment and health, and health management. Best of all, MPH learners are allowed to go on an exchange program before submitting the major requirement of the course: a public health thesis.
4. University of Oslo
Oslo’s 2-Year Master’s in International Community Health aims to provide vital knowledge and research methods. This allows its students to better understand and assess the health issues of communities, which range from the local to the international level.
The first semester features 4 core subjects, which are the Fundamentals of International Community Health, Introductions to Qualitative and Quantitative Methods, and Epidemiology. Elective courses, research ethics, and advanced research modules are given during the second semester.
The last 2 semesters are devoted to thesis writing. During these terms, students also have the option to study abroad (or at their home countries) for 3 to 6 months.
5. University of Bergen
UB’s Global (Public) Health program is all about enhancing the state of healthcare – as well as promoting the state of health equity – in low to middle-income nations. It focuses on four research themes: nutrition, communicable and non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and oral sciences.
The first semester covers all core courses, while the second term is all about elective programs. For the third and fourth semesters, students need to accomplish either a 60 ECTS thesis or a 30 ECTS thesis coupled with a 30 ECTS internship.
The program, which is free of charge, is also a highly selective university in Norway with Master in Public Health. It accepts only 25 students per year
6. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Professionals who wish to improve the health of people all around the world will benefit a lot from NTNU’s M.Sc. in Global Health. The 2-year program provides comprehensive details about health and health systems, including the vital aspects of public health research.
What sets NTNU apart is its focus on innovation and technology, both of which can help identify the gaps in public health delivery. While it works on the traditional issues of nutrition and reproductive health, this M.Sc. also explores more pressing issues, including domestic violence and human rights.
NTNU’s Global Health students get to study in modern lecture rooms and state-of-the-art facilities, all of which are presented at the Øya campus in Trondheim.
7. VID Specialized University
The final university in our list of universities in Norway with a Master’s in Public Health is VID Specialized University. This part-time, 120-credit master’s deals with one aspect of public health: health promotion efforts. Taught in Norwegian, this multi-disciplinary study focuses on the ethical, psychological, and social impacts associated with professional practice.
The first year of this master’s degree engages in courses related to mental health work, psychosocial work with children and adolescents, substance abuse, and addiction issues. As for the second year, students are expected to hone their research ethics and improve their research methods.
Apart from providing its graduate the opportunity to qualify for managerial positions, this master’s degree from VID also serves as a good stepping stone for doctorate education.
I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Europe Scholarships Page.